About US
we're happy
to meet you!
Whether you're joining us for the first time or as part of your ongoing spiritual journey, we warmly welcome you to this moment of fellowship and grace at Roberts Park UMC.
Our community embraces individuals from all walks of life, celebrating diversity in age, background, and the unique paths that have led each person to their faith. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of economic status, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical and mental abilities, can find a place to belong and are empowered to contribute with their spiritual gifts.
As you spend time with us, we invite you to connect with those around you or introduce yourself to our leadership team. Your presence is a gift, and we eagerly anticipate the chance to learn more about you. Stay informed about our community's happenings by visiting our website at www.robertsparkumc.org or engaging with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Together, let's cherish this shared experience in the Spirit until we meet again.
OUR HISTORICAL ROOTS RUN DEEP
Founded in 1821, Indianapolis' first Methodist congregation originally worshipped in a log structure on Maryland Street. By 1842, the denomination had grown enough to necessitate a split, with houses of worship east and west of Meridian St. The eastern church, located at Pennsylvania and Market streets, was named Roberts Chapel to honor Bishop Robert R. Roberts, the first Methodist bishop to live in Indiana.
The current church building -- named Roberts Park to reflect its original park-like setting -- was completed in 1876. Its interior features black walnut woodwork and a soaring sanctuary. Prominent congregants have included Calvin Fletcher, Govern James Brown Ray, and Indianapolis industrialist and Indianapolis Motor Speedway co-founder James A. Allison. The Allison family largely funded a 1915 refresh of the
building, including the installation of a new pipe organ by Ernest M. Skinner of Boston. A complementary addition in 1927 created office space, a stage, and recreation area.
From its earliest days, the congregation has focused on ministering to the community, supporting the city's first public library during the 1870s and the 1880s, and hosting a WWII serviceman's center in the building during the 1940s. In the 1960s, the church added programs to serve its downtown neighbors. In the 1990s, Roberts Park created Shalom Daycare and Soup's On, a program that invites unhoused neighbors to share food and fellowship in a safe environment. As of 2021, the church has served nearly 150,000 meals to neighbors in need. In 2019, the church showed support for the LGBTQ+ community by becoming a reconciling congregation.
Sacred Places
We're continuing to honor our history by ensuring the future of our church through our Sacred Places renovation initiative.
Sacred Conversations
This summer, Roberts Park UMC held a series of Sacred Conversations focused on intentional listening, reflection, and dreaming together.
Pastor Diane led a series of guided small-group conversations attended by 45 congregants that explored our identity as a faith community, candidly assessing the gifts and challenges of our neighborhood and broader community, along with how we might respond with faith and vision. The key questions addressed were:
- Who are we today?
- Who are our neighbors?
- What is God calling us to become?
We intend to create a future that honors God and welcomes all who come through our doors.
All input will be shared in a report to the congregation and Pastor Andrew upon his return from sabbatical.
This report will serve as the basis for more informed and intentional decisions for Roberts Park heading into 2026 and beyond.
Our team
Meet the Roberts Park United Methodist Church staff members who work together with members and volunteers to share God’s love in this community and around the world.